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Plan a relaxed sailing holiday in the Saronic Gulf south of Athens with reliable winds and a good variety of islands to visit.

Start your sailing holiday from Athens and discover the unspoilt islands of the Saronic Gulf and Argolic Gulf. These Greek islands have bustling, cosmopolitan towns, ancient temples, Byzantine castles, traditional fishing harbours and picturesque anchorages. On a yacht charter holiday you will find so many interesting places to visit with a great mix of modern and ancient Greek culture.

This is a popular sailing holiday destination with an enormous choice of bareboat charter yachts and suits sailors looking for a change from the Ionian. You will enjoy reliable sailing winds every day but the area is sheltered from the strong meltemi wind which can blow in the Aegean during the summer.

This yachting centre is easily accessible with daily flights to Athens so you can add a day or two in a hotel to explore this fascinating capital city. Stroll through Plaka, Gazi and Psiri with their small streets dotted with cafes, ouzeries, tavernas, shops and galleries. A trip to Athens would not be complete without also visiting the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum.

Athens Yacht Charter

  • Overview
    shutterstock_Plaka_Athens_Gallery600x400

    Plakka, Athens

    shutterstock_Acropolis_Gallery600x400

    Acropolis, Athens

    shutterstock_Aegina_Gallery600x400

    Aegina

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    shutterstock_Athens_Taverna_Gallery600x400
    shutterstock_Poros_Gallery600x400

    Poros

    Sailing holidays from Athens

    • Easily accessible - daily flights from London and just a 3.5 hour flight time
    • Huge range of yachts to chose from
    • Average distances of 19nm/day
    • Level 1-2 sailing
    • Average summer temperatures of 26-30 degrees
    • Average winds force 3-5
    • Great for families
    • Flexible start and finish dates
  • 1 Wk Itinerary

    Suggested 1 week sailing itinerary from Athens

    DAY 1 : Kalamaki Marina

    Embark at Kalamaki Marina, the marina for charter yachts for Athens. Take a taxi or tram into Athens for dinner with a view of the Acropolis.

    DAY 2 : Aegina Town (17nm)

    Traditional harbour with shops, bars and restaurants.

    DAY 3 : Epidavros (15nm)

    The health resort of Ancient Athenians. Take a taxi from the main square for the 30 minute trip to see one of the best preserved ancient amphitheatres.

    DAY 4 : Poros Town (22nm)

    Lively harbour with a long quayside full of bars and tavernas.

    DAY 5 : Hydra (15nm)

    One of the most picturesque harbours in Greece. Discover the traditional restaurants away from the harbour-front. Visit the Sunset bar for stunning views across to Spetses. Raft up if necessary but put a tripping line on your anchor - the harbour is renown for fouled anchors!

    DAY 6 : Perdika, Aegina (25nm)

    Anchor in the bay and go ashore for an excellent seafood dinner.

    DAY 7 : Return to Kalamaki Marina (20nm)

    Athens 1 week sailing holiday itinerary

  • 2 Wk Itinerary

    Suggested 2 week sailing itinerary from Athens

    DAY 1 : Kalamaki Marina, Athens

    Take a taxi or tram into Athens for dinner with a view of the Acropolis.

    DAY 2 : Aegina Town (17nm)

    Traditional harbour with shops, bars and restaurants.

    DAY 3 : Epidavros (15nm)

    The health resort of Ancient Athenians. Take a taxi from the main square for the 30 minute trip to see one of the best preserved ancient amphitheatres.

    DAY 4 : Poros Town (22nm)

    Lively harbour with a long quayside full of bars and tavernas.

    DAY 5 : Porto Heli (30nm)

    A large bay with excellent shelter. Moor at the long quayside or anchor in the bay.

    DAY 6 : Navplion (21nm)

    Elegant Ventian town with a 13th century castle - well worth the walk up for the view.

    DAY 7 : Leonidhion (23nm)

    Friendly little harbour with shop and tavernas.

    DAY 8 : Monemvasia (29nm)

    A humpbacked island with an old walled Byzantine town, which has been sympathetically restored. Climb to the top for a spectacular view from the medieval fortress. Down below the lower town and fishing harbour have also been restored into a charming mix of Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish architecture.

    DAY 9 : Kiparissa (15nm)

    Spectacular setting in the mountains.

    DAY 10 : Spetse (22nm)

    Choose from several anchorages on the north west coast. This island was the home of John Fowles when he wrote his famous novel “The Magus”.

    DAY 11 : Hydra (15nm)

    One of the most picturesque harbours in Greece. Discover the traditional restaurants away from the harbour-front. Visit the Sunset bar for stunning views across to Spetses. Raft up if necessary but put a tripping line on your anchor - the harbour is renown for fouled anchors!

    DAY 12 : Perdika, Aegina (25nm)

    Anchor in the bay and go ashore for an excellent seafood dinner.

    DAY 13 : Kalamaki Marina (20nm)

    Athens 2 week sailing holiday itinerary

  • Sailing Conditions

    Sailing conditions in Athens

    The Saronic Gulf offers ideal conditions for a sailing holiday with reliable afternoon winds. The wind is generally from the South, Force 3-5 and dying down at night. The sailing area in the Saronic Gulf is protected from the meltemi wind which can blow in the Aegean in the summer. Summer temperatures reach 28-31ºC.

    We have rated this destination a 'Level 1-2' (levels info) and you will need an ICC qualification for bareboat charters from Athens.

    You can see all of the bases we offer in Greece along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.

  • Getting There

    Getting There

    Flights to Athens

    Flights to Athens are served by a number of airlines - British Airways, Aegean Airlines & Olympic Airlines all operate flights from Heathrow; EasyJet operates flights from Gatwick and Manchester; Ryanair operates flights from Stansted.

    Transfers

    The transfer time to Athens Kalamaki Marina (also known as Alimos) is approximately 1 hour. 

    Hotels

    With daily flights why not add on a few days for a city break in Athens before or after your charter? If you would like to stay close to the Marina then why not try Hotel Poseidon which is located right opposite Kalamaki Marina and has comfortable rooms, swimming pool and is only 8km from the centre of Athens.

"We had a super week in Corfu. The Sun Charter staff were excellent, being both friendly and helpful. Our brand new yacht was in very good and clean condition and was quite comfortable for the four of us on board. We had great weather, warm sunshine and with good winds - the sails were out for the best part of each day. I would like to thank all at Nautilus and also Sun Charter for the hassle free booking and all the useful help and tips provided, it was our first time booking a bareboat charter but definitely not the last!"

Ionian 2016 - C.H.

Athens Yacht Charter prices

Fleet 1 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

2023 Prices, extra 5% OFF for 2 weeks.

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Hanse 32520132115711905214326672143190515711381

Fleet 1 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

2023 Prices, extra 5% OFF for 2 weeks.

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Oceanis 41.120203229053619395249053952361929052190
Hanse 41520173223333000357141903571300023331905

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 380202332246731433810448551144485381031432467
Sun Odyssey 42 i200732171421432571286132572861257121431714
Oceanis 41.1201832201925713114399741813997311425712019
Sun Odyssey 410202332264833714086481054864810408633712648

Fleet 1 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

2023 Prices, extra 5% OFF for 2 weeks.

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 44020194234764429523859525238442934762714
Oceanis 51.1 (4+1 cab) A/C & GEN202055 (4+1 )48106524719087147190652448103619
Hanse 508202064 (3+1)46195952671480486714595246193619
Oceanis 51.1 (5+1 cab) A/C & GEN202264 (3+1)48106524719087147190652448103619
Sun Odyssey 44020204234764429523859525238442934762714
Dufour 460 Grand Large20204436195000566767145667500036192571
Bavaria Cruiser 4620144328103762423850484238376228102095
Oceanis 46.120194436195000566767145667500036193238
Bavaria C57 A/C & GEN & WM202164 (3+1WC in skipper's cabin)71909048103331147610333909571906143
Hanse 45520174231434238485757624857423831432333

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 490 4 cabins202044358145525524650374106503552445523581
Jeanneau 54202164 (3 +1 WC in forepeak cabin )438160767381867898958678738160764771
Jeanneau 54202264 (3 +1 WC in forepeak cabin )5152656279719372106869372797165625152
Sun Odyssey 490 4 cabins202044358145525524650374106503552445523581
Sun Odyssey 479201944314340004857571065055710485740003143
Sun Odyssey 440202142282936004371513958575139437136002829

Fleet 1 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

2023 Prices, extra 5% OFF for 2 weeks.

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Lagoon 46 A/C & GEN & WM202265 (4+1)71438714103811242910381871471435476
Lagoon 50 A/C & GEN & WM201885 (4+1)9381119521361916143136191195293817381
Lagoon 42 A/C & GEN & WM202065 (4+1)590572388619103338619723859054524
Lagoon 42 A/C & GEN.202065 (4+1)590572388619103338619723859054524
Lagoon 46 A/C & GEN202065 (4+1)71438714103811242910381871471435476
Lagoon 42 A/C & GEN.202165 (4+1)590572388619103338619723859054524
Lagoon 46 A/C & GEN & WM202165 (4+1)71438714103811242910381871471435476

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Lagoon 42 (4 dbl / 1 single )202044 (+1 in the starboard side bow)451457436971820198388201697157434514
Bali 4.1 - 11202044445756676886809597148095688656674457
Lagoon 40 (12)202144400050866181726787247267618150864000
Lagoon 46202144 (+ 1 WC in the portside bow)554370488562100701208610070856270485543

Prices may be subject to change.

Sailing Qualifications

To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.

For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.

For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.

If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?

Sailing Levels

Level 1

Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.

Level 2

Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.

Level 3

Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.